GWATHMEY
SIEGEL
KAUFMAN
ARCHITECTS llc

Ferris State University

FSU Library for Information, Technology and Education (FLITE) Big Rapids, MI FLITE is a 175,000-square-foot, high-tech facility that combines a print library and digital information library with a technological learning center. As the central focus of the campus, it acts as a social and intellectual commons, a cultural space for Ferris State University and the larger community. The building provides an architectural and symbolic presence to a campus of undistinguished post war buildings. Continue Back
In addition to the library, the building houses an Educational Technology Center that includes an Instructional Technology Unit, a Center for Teaching, Learning and Faculty Development, and a Center for Distributed Learning. The design facilitates personal assistance with information needs and helps with finding, assessing, creating and using expanded resources.

The programmed 440,000-volume print collection of monographs, periodicals and documents are housed in standard open shelving and compact shelving. This area are interspersed with computer facilities and electronically equipped study, teaching and meeting rooms, allowing electronic access from homes, laboratories, residence halls and offices. Electronic flexibility is a major design requirement.

FLITE’s function extends beyond its services. The siting of the new facility became the impetus for a complete reconsideration of campus circulation systems, the organization of public arrival and the spatial relationships among the University’s component parts. Also part of this rethinking was the conversion of the centrally located parking lot to a campus green as part of the new “heart” of the university.

Associate Architect: Neumann Smith & Associates

Download project pdf for more information

“Since it opened, the library has attracted the largest number of students of any public structure on campus. Use of the building increases every year, attesting to the thoughtful, dynamic design of the structure. It is our university’s showpiece.”

Dr. Richard Cochran, Dean of the Library

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